REVIEW: ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ Issue 12

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 12 is published by DC Comics and written by Kelly Thompson, art by Hayden Sherman, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Becca Carey.

As Wonder Woman and her allies try to escape the Labyrinth, freedom may not be possible for all of them.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 12 is the final issue inside the Labyrinth. But the maze and its inhabitants are not quite willing to give up just yet. With Diana, there is a fast-paced fight that is loud and intense, which is entirely by Thompson’s design. It’s a selfless distraction, holding the line to allow others the chance to escape. The structure alternates between Wonder Woman and the other captives in the maze, each trying to escape.

Io, the other Amazon, is trying to protect her community that had been living at the bottom of the pit, whilst Ferdinand the Minotaur is desperate to reach Petra, a beloved siren who has already made it out. There is an air of both finality and new avenues opened up towards the end. It’s rewarding to escape the Labyrinth, which has been oppressive and seemed impossible to escape for all those who set foot in it.

The characters are extraordinary, filled with so much depth and experimentation from the writer. This arc has featured numerous figures from both Greek mythology and Wonder Woman comics, and has evolved from them all.

Throughout, Wonder Woman demonstrates her intelligence and compassion. She is an unbelievable fighter, strong and imposing. But she’s also kind and compassionate, never really wanting to engage in combat and certainly not killing. Ferdinand is one of the most stark and engaging figures of the entire run so far. He’s honorable and defensive, purely dedicated to protecting Petra and those who have shown him kindness.

Io is as much of a warrior as Diana, considering herself the protector of those at the bottom of the pit. In fact, all three are protective in nature, which has made them noble and has led to mutual respect. Then there is Clea, the self-declared ruler of the Labyrinth. She’s insane, but Diana actually explains why in Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 12. She’s in possession of weapons and items of the gods, and that proximity has driven her mad.

This obsession over these items has made her possessive and envious, unwilling to release anything from her control. And the fact that Wonder Woman can wield the same Celestial weapons and remain composed highlights that the Amazon is just a level above those trying to defeat her.

The art is mesmerizing as the battle reaches its pinnacle. There is so much going on, yet it’s always easy to follow. The fight between Diana and Clea turns into a brutal brawl, drawing blood from both combatants. Clea is in desperation mode, doing whatever she can to try to kill Wonder Woman. She stamps on her, chokes her, almost trying to bury her into the bricks.

Wonder Woman uses another type of weapon, borrowing the Trident of Poseidon. The movements change to show she’s capable of fighting with anything, and the choreography is phenomenal, courtesy of Sherman. There’s also the army of men-fish, scaly and creepy. It means Diana is wholly outnumbered. It’s the total escalation of the battles that have been happening through the arc, taking it to a violent extreme.

The colors are plentiful and captivating. Anything magical glows with an ethereal brilliance, and it’s stunning to see. The weapons, the guiding lights, even the monsters and the fighters. In a maze lined with boring brown, all these extra colors add a mesmerizing vibrancy. The lettering is comfortable to follow, and the SFX is nicely laced around the action.

Wonder Woman Issue 12 shatters the Labyrinth. The concept of release, after so long within these walls, is engaging and draws the most intense reactions from the characters. The battle between Wonder Woman and Clea is ferocious as the villain sees her dominance ripped away. As the rest of Wonder Woman’s outside world returns, the variety opens up again. The last several issues have been heavy on fantasy, but the unique sci-fi elements are being reintroduced to create a fascinating combination. Metal and magic are beautifully fused.

Wonder Woman Issue 12 is available where comics are sold.